xAI Skill

Search X (Twitter), search the web, chat with Grok models (including vision), and analyze X content patterns using xAI's API.

Features

• - X Search: Search posts, threads, and accounts with date/handle filters
• Web Search: Search the web via Grok's web_search tool
• Chat: Text and vision (image analysis) with Grok models
• Analysis: Voice patterns, trend research, post safety checks
• Models: List available xAI models

Setup

API Key

Get your xAI API key from console.x.ai.

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The scripts check these locations in order:

1. 1. XAI_API_KEY env var
2. INLINECODE1 → INLINECODE2
3. INLINECODE3 → INLINECODE4
4. INLINECODE5 → skills.entries["grok-search"].apiKey (fallback)

Default Model (Optional)

Override the default model (grok-4-1-fast):

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Model priority:

1. 1. Command-line --model flag (highest priority)
2. INLINECODE9 env var
3. INLINECODE10 → INLINECODE11
4. INLINECODE12 → INLINECODE13
5. Default: INLINECODE14

Search

X Search

Search X posts and threads with optional filters.

Basic search:
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With date filter:
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Filter by handles:
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Output formats:
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JSON output schema:
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Web Search

Search the web via Grok.

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JSON output schema:
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Search Options

See references/search-patterns.md for advanced query patterns and optimization tips.

Chat

Text Chat

Ask Grok anything.

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With model override:
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JSON output:
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JSON schema:
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Vision Chat

Analyze images with Grok.

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Multiple images:
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Supported formats: JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF

Chat Options

See references/models.md for model comparison and capabilities.

Analysis

Analyze X content for voice patterns, trends, and post quality.

Voice Analysis

Analyze an account's voice and writing patterns.

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Custom date range:
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JSON output schema:
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Trend Research

Research trends and discussions about a topic.

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JSON output schema:
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Post Safety Check

Check a draft post or existing post for AI signals and platform flag patterns.

Check draft text:
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Check existing post:
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JSON output schema:
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Scoring:

• - AI Detection: 0-10 (10 = definitely AI)
• Platform Flag Risk: 0-10 (10 = high spam risk)
• Quality: 0-10 (10 = excellent)

Analysis Options

See references/analysis-prompts.md for detailed prompt structures and scoring criteria.

Models

List available xAI models.

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Output:
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JSON output:
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Quick model comparison:

See references/models.md for detailed model capabilities and use cases.

Advanced Usage

Citation Deduplication

For X searches, the tool automatically deduplicates tweet URLs, preferring canonical /@handle/status/id over /i/status/id format.

Custom Model Selection

Override the default model for any operation:

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Debugging

Add --raw to any command to see the full API response:

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Reference Documentation

• - API Reference - xAI API endpoints and parameters
• Search Patterns - Query patterns, filters, optimization tips
• Models - Model comparison and capabilities
• Analysis Prompts - Structured prompts and scoring criteria
• X Algorithm - Ranking, engagement weights, spam detection

Examples

Research a topic

Analyze voice before drafting

Multi-modal research

Error Handling

Common errors and solutions:

Missing API key:

Missing XAI_API_KEY

Invalid mode:

Must specify --web or --x

Image format error:

Unsupported image type

API error:

xAI API error: 401 Unauthorized

Tips

• - Default model (grok-4-1-fast) is fast and good for most tasks
• Use grok-3 for complex analysis or when quality matters more than speed
• X searches are limited by recency (xAI x_search tool constraints)
• Web searches work best with specific, current queries
• Voice analysis needs sufficient post history (30+ posts recommended)
• Post safety checks are advisory; use judgment for final decisions
• JSON output is best for agent/script consumption
• Text output is better for terminal/human reading

Troubleshooting

No results from X search:

• - Try broader query or longer date range
• Check if handles exist and are public
• Remove overly restrictive filters

Voice analysis incomplete:

• - Increase --days to get more post history
• Check if account is public and active
• Verify handle is correct (with or without @)

API rate limits:

• - xAI enforces rate limits per API key
• Spread requests over time if hitting limits
• Consider upgrading xAI plan for higher limits

Content Writing Workflow

Use the analysis tools to improve your X content:

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Use the JSON output to:

• - Research current discussions and posting angles
• Learn from successful voices in your niche
• Catch AI signals and platform flags before publishing